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            Guidelines for Enhancement of Visual Conspicuity of Trains at Grade Crossings
      

      
  Document Series
              Technical Reports


      
  Author
          John B. Hopkins and A.T. Newfell


      
Report Number
              FRA-OR&D-75-71

  Office
              RRD


      Subject
                    Grade Crossing and Trespass Outreach/Education,
                    Grade Crossings


      

      

      
      
              
                  
      
              
  Document
              Visual_Conspicuity.pdf (5.75 MB)

      
              This report summarizes a comprehensive study of potential means of reducing the probability of train-motor vehicle collisions at railroad-highway grade crossings through enhancement of the visual conspicuity of locomotives. Passive techniques are reviewed, and requirements and constraints upon active systems are described. Past research is reviewed, followed by derivation of functional specifications and discussion of practical operating considerations. Operational tests of devices deemed most appropriate to the application are described, with detailed recommendations. The preferred system consists of clear ("white") xenon flash-tube beacons mounted on opposite sides of the locomotive cab roof, flashed alternately, used in conjunction with amber incandescent lamps outlining the locomotive.
      
            
      
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              Last updated: Thursday, May 1, 1975 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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